Chloe SmithMP for Norwich North
Chloe SmithThe result of the referendum
Brits have just taken part in a giant democratic exercise, about our relationship with the European Union. I thank people, whatever way they've voted, and whatever lies ahead. The result was clear and hard work will follow to put the country’s wishes into practice. We all want what's best for Britain now but should do this in a calm and thoughtful way.
The recent vote was undoubtedly among the biggest expressions of democracy in our nation’s history. As an MP who has always pushed for greater democratic engagement, I am pleased that over 33 million people took part.
Our membership of the European Union is a fundamental constitutional question and one which could not have been ducked forever. I am a democrat first and foremost and it was right to use a referendum to settle that big question.
A majority of people in Norwich voted to remain. Many constituents have expressed anxiety about what the future holds. However, many also voted to leave and the majority in the country as a whole was to leave. The result must be respected.
The most important thing is to come back together again as a country, and get the best for Britain.
So I returned to Parliament this week having heard from many constituents on both sides of the argument, with much hard work ahead of us to unite Britain and put the country’s majority wish into practice.
Updates
I will be using this blog space to keep people up to date as much as possible. I would particularly like to keep in touch proactively and to be part of that, please sign up to my e-newsletter: http://www.chloesmith.org.uk/newsletter
First of all, the Prime Minister provided a statement to Parliament, which you can read here: https://hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2016-06-27/debates/1606275000001/OutcomeOfTheEUReferendum. Full debate followed, which begins the process of Parliament’s response and action.
Secondly, the Chancellor and the Governor of the Bank of England have also made statements to support immediate economic stability, which you can read here: https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/statement-by-the-chancellor-following-the-eu-referendum and here: http://www.bankofengland.co.uk/publications/Pages/news/2016/056.aspx
This is indeed a leap into the dark. There is no precedent and we are very much in uncharted territory.
Having said that, we are a wealthy country, and we aim to survive and thrive. Indeed, the government was elected last year to continue our long term economic plan, which makes sure that our nation is adequately prepared for whatever might lie ahead. With many difficult decisions already taken in to put the country’s finances straight, our economy is fundamentally strong.
It might be helpful to constituents to be clear about what has happened and what has not, so far.
‘Article 50’ and Parliament
The British people have voted to leave the European Union, and accordingly Parliament will respect this instruction and prepare the necessary legislation to allow this to happen.
However, that does not mean that we have already left.
The process of leaving will begin officially when the Government formally notifies the European Union of our intention to leave. This is known as “triggering Article 50” – this being the name of the exit process set out in the terms of membership.
There is a whole host of legislation, treaties and conventions which must now be disentangled. Once Article 50 has been triggered, we will enter a series of formal negotiations to exit the EU and determine exactly what our future relationship with Europe will look like in the long term. It is important that we establish precisely what we do want to achieve considering the many points that were made in the referendum campaign.
The Article 50 process is expected to take up to two years. A taskforce will be set up within Whitehall, bringing together every Government Department and drawing on some of the best talent available. The taskforce will report to the Cabinet directly and will involve each of the devolved administrations and regional centres of power, crown dependencies and overseas territories in addition to Parliament in Westminster.
EU citizens in Norwich and British citizens in other countries
I want to take this opportunity to echo the Prime Minister’s assurance to European citizens resident in Norwich or anywhere in the UK that there will be no immediate change in your circumstances. Similarly, there will be no immediate changes to the rights of British citizens living in other European countries.
I was deeply concerned to hear worries reported of acts of racism following the vote. Such hateful behaviour in inexcusable and we should all condemn it.
The Prime Minister
David Cameron has said he will step down as Prime Minister in the autumn. The Conservative Party will select a new leader by September so that there is the clear leadership which the country needs.
I have been elected as MP for Norwich North alongside David Cameron, as fellow modern Conservatives, and have served him in the government. I pay tribute to the contribution he has made to our country and our city. Nationally he has led us through a remarkable economic recovery, whilst locally he has shown his support for the Norwich for Jobs project, apprenticeships for young people at the new Aviation Academy, and investment to improve transport infrastructure around our city.
My role now
As your Member of Parliament, there are things I can do and things which I cannot.
I cannot tell you exactly what is going to happen, nor am I prepared, as some have asked, to call for a second referendum to repeat the question. The British people have voted and we must respect that decision.
It goes without saying though that I will be following the negotiations in detail as your Member of Parliament to ensure the interests of Norwich North are protected.
I will also endeavour to use my position as your Member of Parliament to keep constituents updated as the process unfolds, so please sign up to my e-newsletter or check back here regularly.